Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Pray.
Danielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I always had a slight interest in doing hair but never thought I could do it. After graduating high school and trying a semester of community college, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. I enrolled in cosmetology school and fell in love. After finishing school, I accepted a job at a small salon in San Marcos where I worked with a great group of girls.
The five and a half years that I worked there were so important and I learned so much about my craft. In the summer of 2015, the opportunity came up to open my own studio and with the encouragement from my friends, family and clients, I went for it. It has been the best decision I’ve ever made!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have to say, overall it’s been a fairly smooth journey for me, and I owe a lot of that to my old salon. I worked in a great location and have been blessed with some amazing clients who have followed me. I do struggle with finding a work/life balance and am a self-admitted workaholic. I’m a people pleaser and always want to give my clients the best that I can. If I have any advice to give, it’s to never give up. Early on, I remember doubting myself and my abilities, wondering if this is what I was supposed to be doing. Looking back, I can see how much I have grown, both personally and professionally, and I’m so grateful for the clients that have stuck with me for so many years.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Slate Hair Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
I would say my specialties are blondes and balayage. I also do handtied hair extensions, which is the least damaging form of hair extensions out there. And the number of times a client says “why can’t I make my hair look like this at home?”, I think it’s safe to say that my styling techniques are pretty good. I pride myself on being present with all of my clients, and I always do my best to remember details that they share with me. Some of my clients have been with me for 9+ years (I’ve only worked behind the chair for 10), and I can still remember things they told me back then. They are always surprised and appreciative when I can recall stories and things they have shared with me. Every single one of my clients is very important to me.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I wouldn’t say I had one mentor in particular, instead I’ve been very lucky to have been around many talented hairstylists over the years. From the teachers I had in cosmetology school to the stylists I worked with, to the building I’m in now. I’ve been surrounded by so many amazing people who have all taught me so much. I’ve always tried to pick up any tips and tricks from every one of them along the way.
Contact Info:
- Address: 197 South Las Posas Road, Suite 9
San Marcos, 92078 - Phone: 7605050594
- Email: slatehairstudio@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatehairstudio/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/slatehairstudio
Image Credit:
Paul Douda photography
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
